You’ve purchased your RV and you’re ready to hit the road. But have you considered how unexpected breakdowns may impact your travel budget?
The truth is, RVs are more expensive than ever to fix, with part and labor costs only expected to go up. Many travelers choose to protect themselves with an RV warranty, but how do you find coverage you can count on? It’s easy to automatically jump at the lowest cost offered, or fall for impossible coverage promises made by your salesperson, but this will likely result in purchasing a contract that isn’t worth the paper it’s written on.
The right RV warranty can protect your travel budget and keep you on the road, but how do you find “the one”? Here are 4 things to keep in mind when looking for RV coverage you can count on:
Lowest Price Doesn’t Always = Best Option
Similar to any product purchase, just because a price is lower doesn’t mean the value is necessarily equal. As a consumer, the choice is up to you, but it is important to know the uncertainties that come with cheaper pricing. A lower rate on your RV Extended Warranty can often be linked to less coverage, which can really hurt in the long run.
If a price seems too good to be true, ask the provider to for a copy of the coverage they’re offering. Pay attention to which level of coverage they’ve selected, and make sure it meets your needs.
Research the RV Warranty Provider
It’s no secret that RV warranties can be a touchy subject for travelers. There have been warranty companies and brokers in the past whose business practices left a lot of RVers vulnerable, giving the coverage a bad name in the industry. The good news is the RV protection market is taking a turn in the right direction, and a little bit of research can put your mind at ease when choosing a provider.
A few things to look for when investigating your RV warranty seller:
Are they offering fully-insured coverage? Your warranty should be backed by a stable insurance company that will be there to pay out claims even if your seller goes out of business.What do your fellow RVers have to say? Check out consumer advocacy organizations like the Better Business Bureau, and online RV forums like iRV2 to see how the seller stacks up. How does the RV industry view them? Look towards major RV groups like Escapees RV Club and the VIARV to see who they recommend in the RV warranty space.
Transparency is Key: Get a Copy of Your Contract Before Purchase
Looking over contracts can often feel like an intimidating and daunting task, but it is very important that you stick it out and read the fine print. Always request a copy of the exact terms and conditions for the coverage you are purchasing before breaking out your wallet! This allows you to verify that the information given by your RV Warranty provider is straight-forward and honest, and gives you the vital opportunity to read exactly what is included and excluded by that policy. The point of a warranty is to protect your investment, and reading the contract is the most concrete way to confirm that your money is going towards a policy that will be there for you when you need it most.
What Isn’t Covered?
No RV warranty will cover every repair your rig might need. An honest and reliable RV warranty provider will be upfront about the limitations of coverage, and give you examples of what will and will not be covered by the policy. Having realistic expectations for RV warranty protection is the best way to gain confidence in what you are purchasing, and accurately plan your RVing budget.
Let someone else pay for your next RV repair bill. A little due diligence now can save you big on RV repairs down the line. Simply follow the 4 steps above to secure an RV warranty, and find peace of mind for the road ahead.
This information is for educational purposes. VIARV shall not be responsible nor retain liability for RVer’s use of the provided information. Prior to making any RV service decision, you are advised to consult with an RV professional.
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